Rhetorical Analysis FlashCards

Question 1

Figurative Language

Answer 1

Language that cannot be taken literally since it was written to create a special effect or feeling.

Question 2

Implication

Answer 2

An idea that is communicated indirectly, through a suggestion or hint

Question 3

Allusion

Answer 3

A reference to another work of literature, person, or event

Question 4

Argument

Answer 4

A statement put forth and supported by evidence

Question 5

Logos (logical appeal)

Answer 5

a way of persuading an audience through reasoning by offering them facts, statistics, and examples.

Question 6

Ethos

Answer 6

Ethical appeal

Question 7

Pathos

Answer 7

Appeal to emotion

Question 8

Organization

Answer 8

arranged in an orderly way

Question 9

Juxtaposition

Answer 9

Placement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts

Question 10

Satire

Answer 10

the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.

Question 11

Synthesis

Answer 11

combining parts into a whole

Question 12

Context

Answer 12

The circumstances, atmosphere, attitudes, and events surrounding a text.

Question 13

Sarcasm

Answer 13

Mockingly stating the opposite of what you mean. Easier to convey in the spoken word than via writing.

Question 14

Imagery

Answer 14

Description that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste)

Question 15

Irony

Answer 15

the expression of one’s meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.

Question 16

Symbolism

Answer 16

A device in literature where an object represents an idea or concept.

Question 17

Syntax

Answer 17

The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language.

Question 18

Audience

Answer 18

the listener, viewer, or reader of a text

Question 19

Connotation

Answer 19

the implied or associative meaning of a word

Question 20

Personification

Answer 20

the giving of human qualities to an animal, object, or idea

Question 21

Occasion

Answer 21

An aspect of context; the cause or reason for writing.

Question 22

Style

Answer 22

the choices a writer makes; the combination of distinctive features of a literary work

Question 23

Understatement

Answer 23

the opposite of exaggeration. It is a technique for developing irony and/or humor where one writes or says less than intended.

Question 24

Repetition

Answer 24

Repeated use of sounds, words, or ideas for effect and emphasis

Question 25

Analogy

Answer 25

Explaining something complex by comparing it to something more simple.

Question 26

Purpose

Answer 26

The author’s persuasive intention.

Question 27

Themes

Answer 27

Overarching ideas or driving premises of a work.

Question 28

Evidence

Answer 28

The information presented meant to persuade the audience of the author’s position.

Question 29

Hyperbole

Answer 29

Overstating a situation for humorous or dramatic effect.

Question 30

Counterargument

Answer 30

an opposing argument to the one a writer is putting forward

Question 31

Alliteration

Answer 31

Repetition of initial consonant sounds

Question 32

Deductive Reasoning

Answer 32

A form of logical reasoning wherein a general principle is applied to a specific case.

Question 33

Idiom

Answer 33

A commonly used phrase that signifies something very different than its literal meaning.

Question 34

Attitude

Answer 34

feelings, often based on our beliefs, that predispose us to respond in a particular way to objects, people, and events

Question 35

Compare and Contrast

Answer 35

Discussing the similarities and differences between two things to some persuasive or illustrative purpose.

Question 36

Denotation

Answer 36

the literal meaning of a word

Question 37

Rhetoric

Answer 37

The use of spoken or written word (or a visual medium) to convey your ideas and convince an audience.

Question 38

Speaker

Answer 38

The persona adopted by the author to deliver his or her message; may or may not actually be the same person as the author.

Question 39

Onomatopoeia

Answer 39

Using “sound-effect” words (e.g. “clap” - “buzz”)

Question 40

Tone

Answer 40

The use of stylistic devices to reveal an author’s attitude toward a subject.

Question 41

Rhetorical Triangle

Answer 41

The relationship between the author, the audience, the text/message, and the context.

Question 42

Diction

Answer 42

The style of language used; generally tailored to be appropriate to the audience and situation.

Question 43

Anecdote

Answer 43

a short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person

Question 44

Exigence

Answer 44

A controlling event which might have caused a speaker/writer to create a message.